New research has established a link between prenatal exposure to PFAS “forever chemicals” and the development of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) later in life, marking the first study to examine this connection.
Study Details and Findings
PMOS, previously known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), affects approximately 13% of women, with many cases going undiagnosed. The cause of the disease remains largely unknown. The peer-reviewed study, led by Harvard University, analyzed about 325 mother-daughter pairs and found that mothers with higher PFAS levels in their blood during pregnancy were more likely to have daughters with PMOS and moderate-to-severe acne by their late teenage years.
The findings suggest that chemical exposure may be a primary driver of the disease, though the authors emphasize the need for further research. This study builds on earlier research linking PFAS to PMOS and other hormonal and developmental issues, but it is the first to examine prenatal exposure and later development of PMOS, providing crucial evidence, according to public health advocates.
Expert Commentary
“This is another piece that fits in that larger body of evidence of these specific harms, like hormonal disruption,” said Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group, who reviewed the study but was not an author.
About PFAS and PMOS
PFAS are a class of at least 16,000 compounds used to make products water-, stain-, and grease-resistant. They have been linked to cancer, birth defects, decreased immunity, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and other serious health problems. Known as “forever chemicals,” they persist in the environment for thousands of years and are designed to be indestructible.
PMOS causes symptoms such as irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and infertility. The disease is not caused by ovarian problems but rather by dysregulated hormonal signals and endocrine miscommunication. In May, PCOS was renamed PMOS to reflect that the condition affects the broader system, not just the ovaries.
Study Population and Results
The mothers and daughters in the study live in the Boston area and are part of Project Viva, a study initiated in 1999 that examines how early life experiences impact mothers and their children later in life. Teens whose mothers had higher levels of PFAS compounds in their blood at birth were 2.3 to 2.7 times more likely to develop PMOS or acne later in life.
While the study’s long-term nature provides valuable insights, the authors caution that it has a small sample size and is overrepresented by white and college-educated women.
Specific Compounds and Risks
A correlation was found between PMOS and elevated levels of the N-EtFOSAA compound, commonly used in stain guards, pesticides, water repellents for textiles, and coatings for paper products. Once in the environment, this compound can break down into PFOS, considered among the most toxic PFAS chemicals. Another compound, PFNA, used in similar applications, was associated with higher odds of moderate-to-severe acne.
“It’s not just PFOA and PFOS that we’re worried about – it’s the precursors and all the chemicals along the way,” Stoiber said.
How to Reduce Exposure
PFAS are difficult to avoid due to their widespread use. However, mothers can protect themselves by avoiding stain guards and checking with textile or clothing producers to ensure waterproof products are PFAS-free. Stoiber also recommends eating organic, whole foods cooked at home as much as possible, as these tend to have less PFAS from packaging and processing equipment.
